The United States Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved WBENC as a Third Party Certifier for Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) certification as part of the SBA's WOSB Federal Contracting Program.

"This is an historical moment as WBENC advances its mission of leveling the playing field for Women's Business Enterprises not only in the private sector, but now in the public sector. We are pleased that the United States SBA, like our current corporate partners, recognizes the value and credibility of third-party certification. Through the approval of third-party certification, the United States SBA has taken an important step in enabling women's businesses to effectively compete and win contracts with the government. We believe that this will lead to women's business growth and a positive impact on our economy."

Pamela Prince-EasonWBENC President and CEO

This site offers the latest information regarding the process for attaining WOSB certification. Any WBENC-certified WBE can apply for WOSB certification during recertification; and any woman owned-business which applies for WBENC certification, may also simultaneously apply for WOSB certification.

The SBA's WOSB Federal Contract Program provides greater access to federal contracting opportunities for WOSBs and economically-disadvantaged women-owned small businesses (EDWOSBs). The Program allows contracting officers, for the first time, to set aside specific contracts for certified WOSBs and EDWOSBs and will help federal agencies achieve the existing statutory goal of five percent of federal contracting dollars being awarded to WOSBs

As a third-party certifier of the SBA's WOSB Federal Contract Program, WBENC introduced a Women Owned Small Business Government Certification (WOSBGC) Program. WBENC is the leading advocate for and authority on women's business enterprises (WBEs) for the nation's corporations. Its certification of businesses that are at least 51 percent owned, operated and managed by women, is accepted by more than 1,000 corporations representing America's most prestigious brands, in addition to many states, cities and other entities. Now it also provides its world-class certification of WOSBs to government agencies.